In a recent discussion with Lori Gilcrist, the newest member of our inaugural Regional Advisory Council, we explored the misperceptions surrounding rural Western North Carolina.
Education advocates are applauding Governor Chris Sununu s proposed state budget increase for higher education but funding levels still remain some of the lowest in the nation. The University System of New Hampshire would see state funding increase by roughly $10-million to just over $99- million by 2025, still short of funding levels seen more than a decade ago. That may not be enough to convince the nearly 60% of students leaving the state for college to stay, according to Gene Martin, executive director of the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. .
School librarians in Maine are fighting a bill that would ban schools from providing students with books considered "obscene," saying it could potentially criminalize educators. Proponents of the legislation say they are merely protecting children from inappropriate material but educators say the definition of the word obscene remains unclear. Heather Perkinson, Maine Association of School Libraries president, said librarians are being singled out and harassed, finding their names and phone numbers posted online. .
Union leaders and public-sector workers say bills advancing in the Florida Legislature, if passed, will strip them of their representation and could also do the same for academic freedom. Speaking in committee last week, Florida State University associate professor of religion Joseph Hellweg said he used to recruit for his union - United Faculty of Florida - and heard a variety of reason why some of his colleagues chose not to pay their dues. He said he disagrees with the proposal that would require 60% instead of 50% of workers eligible for union representation be dues-paying members in order for the union to remain certified. .
A group formed to oppose COVID-19 mask mandates is expanding its agenda to influence school board elections, and a national watchdog group believes another goal is defunding public education. The group "Moms for Liberty" launched in Florida in 2021 with a mission to "unify, educate and empower parents." With eight chapters in Texas, the organization also opposes LGBTQ-positive policies in schools and related materials in school libraries. Lisa Graves, executive director of True North Research, believes the group, which does not disclose its funding, is making another attempt to advance private schools. .